Jónsi - First Light

A Closer Listen

First Light is bright, beautiful and ebullient, and we almost missed it.  Jónsi‘s newest album is for those who miss the euphoric highs of Sigur Rós and have wondered if they would ever return.  Unlike Jónsi’s other solo efforts, First Light is a purely lyric-free affair, packed with piano, flute, strings, glockenspiel and light field recordings, with an electronic sheen. Originally conceived as a video game soundtrack, the album evolved into a vision of a “fantastical, over-the-top, utopian world where everyone and everything lives together in everlasting peace and harmony.”  In short, it’s a reflection of the world that many people dream of, yet have stopped hoping for: a shot of encouragement in musical form.

Birdsong appears often, opening and closing the album in percolating twin tracks “Flicker” and “Flutterby.”  As one of the early singles, “Flicker” immediately lifts one’s spirits; it’s as if the darkness of Sigur Rós’ later period has been exorcised; or perhaps there is just too much darkness in the world as a whole, and the artist feels compelled to offer an equally extreme counterpoint.  One can read the title “Wishful Thinking” as hopeful or melancholic, but the tone seems to match the former.  Ambient waves, soaring strings and ocean waves proclaim that happiness still exists, and can be manifested if only we can believe again.

The peaks of post-rock are present as well, from the snares and electronics that close “First Light” to the euphoric drums at the end of “Clearing.” Jónsi has not forgotten his roots.  But it might also be said that the artist is now embracing his childlike side, which has too often been cast aside.  One might even call First Light the natural extension of ÁTTA, Sigur Rós’ 2023 album: more birds, more brightness, more hope.  Could it be that Iceland’s lopsided share of literal darkness leads its artists to pursue spiritual light with even greater fervor?

“Willow” is especially uplifting as it rises without conflict to a peaceful end.  We have grown so acclimated to disappointment that we have put aside our tendency to dream; in his own humble way, Jónsi seeks to restore our faded belief in each other and in the world.  (Richard Allen)